Business Liaison - Legislative Policy and Media Liaison - Public Service Coordinator II

Department of Economic and Community Development

Business Liasion - Legislative Policy and Media Liaison - Public Service Coordinator II

Opening Date: April 16, 2025
Closing Date: May 1, 2025

Job Class Code: CU31Grade: 31Salary: $74,713.59 - $105,809.60Position Number: 136000019

DESCRIPTION: This is a senior level position performing professional liaison work, including external communication, for the department. The position applies extensive knowledge and experience in legislative affairs, public policy, communication, messaging, and public relations under general direction of the Commissioner in the performance of day-to-day activities. The position is responsible for representing the department to legislative bodies, staff and officials; establishing and maintaining relationships and communications with internal and external stakeholders, including the Governor's Office, other Commissioner's Offices; department senior management team, the public, media and others; serving as the primary contact for and facilitator of media communications. Position conducts research, review and analysis of legislation, laws, and bills with potential impact on the department; provides recommendations to senior management; and assists in developing and delivering communications and messaging. Because of the intensive work required during the legislative session, the position will at times require significant work outside of normal business hours. The position may also require some travel within the state.

REPRESENTATIVE TASKS:

• Establishes and maintains relationships through interactions and communications with legislative bodies or lawmakers to promote the public policy goals related to laws under which the department operates.
• Represents DECD on legislative matters before legislative bodies as directed.
• Gathers information to guide parties toward mutual agreement and/or cooperation.
• Ensures agency and stakeholder input is available to inform decision-making, policy and planning processes of the department.
• Solicits or prepares and proposes legislation, identifies affected interests and communicates for or against prospective legislation.
• Tracks and researches newly introduced laws and advises DECD leadership team on the potential impact of legislation under consideration; provides strategic and analytical support on issues affecting the department.
• Handles legislative communications and coordinates the legislative planning and implementation efforts. Establishes and maintains communication between the agency, public and internal/external stakeholders.
• Responsible for promoting or creating an intended public image for the department.
• Responds to requests for information from the media or designates an appropriate spokesperson or information source.
• May write or select material for release to the media or other external parties.
• Plans or directs the development of communication of programs to maintain favorable public, legislative or other stakeholder perceptions of the agency's accomplishments, agenda or civic, community and other outreach responsibility.
• Studies the objectives, policies or needs of the agency to develop public relations and information strategies that will influence public opinion or promote ideas and services.
• Coaches agency representatives in effective communication with the public, legislative bodies, or others such as employees, external agency representatives or the media.
• May update and maintain content posted on the DECD website.
• Serves as the department point of contact for Freedom of Access Act requests.
• Regular communication with the Governor's Office and Commissioner.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations.
• Knowledge of public administration theories, principles, and practices.
• Knowledge of Statewide programs, services, mandates, and organization.
• Knowledge of State of Maine procurement and contract documents.
• Ability to represent the State in hearings, meetings and the media.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Possess exceptional communication skills, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to create a rapport with people of all demographics and demonstrate superior interpersonal skills.
• Ability to be a flexible team player who thrives in environments requiring ability to effectively prioritize and juggle multiple concurrent projects.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelors Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Economics or a related field and four (4) years of directly related training, education and/or professional level experience in public/business administration which includes experience in policy development, analysis, implementation, evaluating and developing improvements to organizational, governmental, and/or managerial programs and relationships to business. Related professional experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto-"Dirigo" or "I lead"-as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Fit - Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage - The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96 - $12,514.32 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
• Dental Insurance - The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($387.92 annual value).
• Retirement Plan - The State contributes the equivalent of 18.09% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS).

State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.

If you're looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we'd love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?

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